Law enforcement officers representing the Frederick Police Department, Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police, Brunswick Police Department, Thurmont Police Department, Frederick County State's Attorney's Office, Division of Parole and Probation, as well as athletes from the Frederick County Chapter of the Special Olympics will take part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay for Special Olympics Maryland today.

Their mission is to escort and protect the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope," as it makes its way to the opening of the 40th Anniversary Summer Games at Towson University, Friday through Sunday.

According to a press release from the Frederick Police Department, this marks the 25th anniversary of the Maryland Torch Run, "a movement that began in 1986 with a handful of officers raising $5,000, and has grown into a true year-round effort that involves thousands of officers and raised $3.7 million in 2009."

Frederick's portion of the Torch Run is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., today, with the lighting of the torch in front of the Frederick County Courthouse. Runners and cyclists will then proceed through downtown streets, and return to the courthouse by about 11 a.m.

The 40th Anniversary Special Olympics Summer Games are set for this weekend at Towson University. About 1,200 athletes from around the state will compete in aquatics, athletics, bocce, equestrian, cheerleading and softball.

For more information about Special Olympics Maryland, the Torch Run Relay and the 2010 Summer Games, visit www.somd.org.